Over this passed weekend I registered for the LA marathon. With mixed emotions I hesitantly clicked on the registration button. Name: Elissa Barnes Age: 25 Have you ever completed a marathon before: No. Within my chest the hollow cavity of worry shape-shifted into a swell of excited energy. I was about to take on the world, one mile at a time. Marathon has been on my long, "I think I would like to do that maybe someday" List. The time has come.
This is a privilege, honor and an opportunity for me to take on something for myself, while taking on two agendas much bigger than myself. For me this is about my health, not just my physical fitness, but my mental and emotional health. For years I have battled with depression and for years I have come out on top due to my dedication to diet and exercise. Lately I have been indulging some not so healthy practices resulting in some very predictable downfalls. Life is too short to not make the most of every moment. Running this marathon is a gift to myself, my life and my health.
My dear friend Michelle has been undergoing intense scoliosis treatment to correct two severe curves in her spine, the lower one at 57 degrees and the upper one at 34 degrees. She has been working so hard, doing more hours of physical work in a day than most of us do in a week, day after day after day. Her commitment to be able to heal, recover and transform her body is so inspiring and her openness to share her experience will help others (her blog is at http://backfactor.blogspot.com/) . Michelle's treatment will cost about $30,000 for this year alone. A group of her friends (about 10 so far) have come together to run this up and coming marathon to raise aware and money to help our friend take on her health and quality of life.
The second opportunity that has presented itself is for me is to be able to raise money for our next Soccer Outreach event being held at the Home Depot Center. My commitment to recreation as a powerful tool to heal the world has only grown since joining and training with Santa Monica College Women's Soccer. Our next event is still being planned, but we have a solid idea and a vision.
One of our partner's OA Projects brings soccer camps to war-stricken area's in Africa and hosts an annual event where groups of people around the world host an event called, "Play Soccer so They Can". Though we are a bit behind with the date (OA's events were held end of Sept), we are still planning our own twist on an already spectacular cause. We want to give soccer to kids who have disabilities while allowing them to contribute to kids in Africa. Professional soccer plays, vendors, spectators, prizes and a couple hours of fun for everyone. This is my dream, to host events and raise money that makes a real difference in the world.
Please consider sponsoring me per mile, as I run for freedom, peace, liberation, and love. What I am asking for is as little as $1 per mile ($26.20) to as much as your heart desires. I will post a list to see how much it would be per mile to sponsor me at different rates. If you can't contribute monetarily, you can still contribute by spreading the word. There are other ways that you can contribute as well such as making and holding a sign with a group of friends at a mile marker.
I hope you follow me on my journey of training and stay up to date on ways to support and get involved.
xo Love you all, Mo
SPONSORSHIPS
per mile / total
$1------$26.20
$2-----$52.40
$3-----$78.60
$4-----$104.80
$5-----$131,00
$10---$262.00
$15---$393.00
$20--$524.00
$25--$655.00
$50--$1,310.00
You can even team up with a group if that works better for you. We are so thankful to all of our friends, and supporters. We love you, and know that you are making a difference in the world.
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